Decade of Neglect Sparks Protest as Ayobo Communities Demand Immediate Fix of Alaja–Olayemi Road
Residents and Community Development Associations (CDAs) along the Alaja–Olayemi corridor in Ayobo, Ipaja Local Council Development Area, have issued a renewed and urgent call on the Lagos State Government and the Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Lookman Agbaje, to complete the long-abandoned Alaja–Olayemi Road.
The call followed a peaceful protest held on Friday, January 23, 2026, by community leaders and residents who say they can no longer endure the hardship caused by the road’s deplorable condition. According to them, the road has been abandoned for more than ten years despite repeated appeals to relevant authorities.
Residents explained that the neglect of the road has severely affected daily life in the area, particularly during the rainy season. They cited persistent flooding, restricted access, rising security concerns, damage to vehicles, disruption of school activities, and loss of business opportunities as major consequences of the failed infrastructure.
Describing the road as a critical link serving several communities, the protesters appealed to both the state and local governments to treat its completion as a priority, stressing that good road infrastructure is essential for safety, economic growth, and improved living standards, not a luxury.
One of the community leaders, Alhaja Sanni Anibire, a long-term resident and former CDA chairperson, recounted the community’s prolonged struggle.
She said the road was last worked on in 2016 during the administration of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, when the state embarked on the construction of 114 roads across local governments and LCDAs.
“For over twenty years, this road has remained in a terrible state. Because of the hardship it causes, about seven CDAs came together to form a joint forum to pursue its completion. Since work stopped in 2016, residents have spent millions of naira yearly maintaining the road themselves,” she said.
Alhaja Anibire expressed frustration that despite paying taxes regularly, residents continue to suffer.
“When it rains, children cannot go to school, vehicles break down, elderly people and persons living with disabilities cannot move freely, and many residents cannot even drive into their homes. People living deeper inside the community are forced to park their vehicles elsewhere because the road is impassable,” she added.
She also accused the LCDA chairman of failing to deliver on assurances made several months ago.
“About five months ago, we were promised intervention. What we got was the dumping of sand and stones, which made the situation worse. Rain has stopped now, and this is the best time to fix the road. Rain should never be an excuse,” she said.
Another resident, Reverend Nathaniel Olajide, described the situation as distressing, especially for elderly residents.
He said the community had earlier believed the road would be among six earmarked for rehabilitation within the LCDA but was disappointed when it was excluded.
“We protested after discovering it was not listed. The chairman asked us to wait two weeks for palliative work. Six weeks later, only sand and stones were brought, and nothing followed. I am over seventy years old and should not be standing in the sun protesting. We pay our taxes, and we deserve relief,” he said.
The protesters also revealed that a formal letter dated May 1, 2025, had been sent to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Environment, the Ipaja–Ayobo LCDA Works Department, and the Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Alimosho Constituency II.
In the letter, the residents stated that Alaja–Olayemi Road is the only major access route to over fifteen CDAs and has become almost impassable due to flooding from adjoining roads, including Koloba and Megida, which now discharge water into the axis.
They warned that the continued neglect has led to loss of productive time, damage to property, increased insecurity at night, and stagnation of local businesses and community development.
While acknowledging ongoing infrastructural efforts by the Lagos State Government, the community urged urgent intervention on the Alaja–Olayemi Road, insisting that the welfare and livelihoods of thousands of residents depend on its rehabilitation.
The residents expressed hope that their appeal would finally receive the needed attention in the interest of responsive and inclusive governance.
